Feedback Time!

I was trying to think about the most beneficial aspect of a summer placement. What part or parts are most valuable for a student and why? Surely this is the best way to take stock of such an experience and to grow from it?

Without a shadow of a doubt there is one clear winner for me. Honest, critical, effective feedback. I am indebted to Angus for the time he spent with me going over my sermons, the delivery, content, use of power point etc. The time taken to show me my errors as well as my achievements was hugely beneficial.

I do not know how other Church's operate but in the Free Church usually a student is asked to preach because their is a vacancy or the minister is away and needs pulpit supply. This is very common in my opinion however, this also produces a problem. The responsibility for honest feedback is placed upon the people, which if we are brutally truthful very seldom tell us when we stuff it up because they do not want to embarrass us! It is a sad truth at least in my opinion.

There are very few people who are bold enough to simply tell us if we have made a mistake, maybe it is a fear of appearing arrogant, or impolite, I am not sure. However, I would simply state my agreement with Hebrews 12:1;

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

How many if us could benefit from honest feedback or front of house aid etc. I am grateful for the time Angus has taken with me to correct my many errors and be so encouraging at the same time. Not all correction is painful when we remember that we are corrected for our benefit so that our light for God burns all the brighter!